When the Music Stops (Mason Brothers Book #2)

Chapter 11

JOLIE

Watching Fletch and Eden dance together for their first dance really complicated the feelings swirling within me. The two of them just danced so seamlessly and the way she looked at him was as though he was a knight in shining armor. He looked at her like she was the only other person in the room. 

The thought crossed my mind that I wanted somebody to look at me that way, but then I realized that I did have somebody who looked at me that way, but I kept pushing him away. It didn’t help that this entire mental argument was happening while I was sitting right next to Parker watching the newlyweds.

I reached out for his hand, desperate to feel his touch for just a moment. Not only did he not move or flinch, but he also opened his hand to mind and then closed his large hand over mine. The energy surged between us. I hated that I felt this connection with him. Well, I didn’t hate the connection, I hated that I wasn’t worthy of that connection.

Dinner was served at the reception, it was chicken alfredo and garlic breadsticks. There were also two different types of salad. I sat with Parker and the other Mason siblings, and Toni during dinner. It was paired with this really good white wine that I found myself two glasses in, which was nothing compared to what the guys were up to.

“I’m pretty sure the boys have gone through an entire case of wine by themselves,” I commented.

“Who knew they were wine fans?” Toni said with a giggle.

“Growing up, wine was the only thing my mom and dad kept at home,” Mel explained. “Trust me, these boys have been getting drunk on wine for years.”

“You’re one to talk, Mel,” Damon spoke up, “I’m pretty sure your first black-out drunk night was courtesy of wine.”

“I never said that it wasn’t! I was just stating that you boys have been known to get wine drunk once in a while.”

Parker and Cade joined us once more, Parker dropping off a drink for me, “I got you one of those Spicy Lemondrops that you hooked Eden on.”

I happily accept the drink, “Ooo, you’re amazing. This is my last drink though.”

“If I get drunk will you make sure I get home safe?”

“I’m not sure I can carry you into your place, but I’ll try my hardest,” I said with a cheesy grin.

“That’s all I ask, Red. Thanks, babe.” He leans over and kisses my temple. I slide my hand back over onto his lap and he grabs it with his free hand. I never realized that hand-holding could be so intimate, but it was and it felt so damn good. “Hey, come dance with me.”

“I don’t know, Parker,” I shake my head, “I’m not really the dancing type anymore.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. It is a wedding and you have to dance. Plus, it is a slow dance, you just have to follow my lead.”

Parker stood up from the table and put his hand out for me. I took a hold of it with a little bit of hesitation and followed him onto the dance floor. We found a spot we could dance and he took my hands and placed them around my neck as he wrapped both his arms around my waist. I took a tiny step forward so that I was pressed up against his body. 

We looked into each other’s eyes and just smiled as we moved to the beat of the song. At one moment Parker had tucked a small piece of hair behind my ear and when he put his hand back I didn’t miss that it was a little bit lower than originally. I didn’t mind. My body was literally screaming for him.